These days, no class of players is more important to a program than the freshmen. For some, they are the future, those that will carry on the legacy of success and prestige. For others, they are tasked with such a duty from day-one.
With that in mind, we’re taking a hard look at our top five Freshman of the Year candidates to get everyone ready for the names they’ll need to know come game-time.
1.) Ben Simmons, LSU Tigers
The top ranked high school recruit in the nation has continued his buzz since arriving in Baton Rouge. Many expect Simmons to play multiple positions for the Bayou Bengals, putting himself in a position to stuff the stat sheet like few freshmen we’ve seen in recent years. The question will be whether or not his numbers reflect what is sure to be a dynamic season, especially due to his impressive basketball IQ.
2.) Jamal Murray, Kentucky Wildcats
Not the Wildcat you expected on this list, was it? Murray may be playing off the ball, but it will likely put him in a position to put up numbers that he might not have if he were manning the point guard role. Murray can, in the words of AAU ball, go. Put him in space, or not, he’ll get his.
3.) Jaylen Brown, California Golden Bears
Brown is a do-it-all guy, and will be playing with one of the best playmaking point guards in the country, with plenty of talent around him to keep opponents from focusing their defenses on him. The question is whether or not Brown will turn into a Jabari Bird, not quite great enough at anything to make a consistent impact, or more of a Justise Winslow type of freshman.
4.) Brandon Ingram, Duke Blue Devils
The freakishly long, athletic, and skilled wing has a chance to step in from day one and shoulder quite a bit of responsibility for Coach K…or at least, that’s what most assumed. His talent lands him on this list, but whether or not he’s able to make the leap over other Dukies for playing time and production remains to be seen.
5.) Henry Ellenson, Marquette Golden Eagles
Kind of a shocker here, right? Ellenson is a five-star big man who elected to stay in-state for college. Given Marquette’s recent struggles, he’s also in a position to put up, perhaps, the most impressive numbers of anyone on this list. Will Marquette be good enough to keep him in the discussion? If he remains a talking point, they just might be.
